Does Aetna require referrals?

Asked by: Breanna Miller II  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (50 votes)

Health insurance plans are offered, underwritten and/or administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). Here's one that lets you visit any doctor in the Aetna network. And you do not need a referral when you visit one. You don't have to choose a primary care physician (PCP)* either, but you may want to.

How do I know if I need a referral Aetna?

Visit www.aetnaelectronicprecert.com to check if a service requires precertification. To request a referral, you must be: A participating Aetna provider designated as a PCP - Note: The PCP making the referral must participate in the member's benefits plan.

Which insurance plans require referrals?

Generally the referral requirements are:
  • HMO and Network Plans – The PCP must provide a referral for specialty care. Only in-network providers are covered.
  • POS Plans – The PCP must provide a referral for specialty-care services from in-network providers. ...
  • Open Access, PPO and Indemnity Plans – Referrals are never needed.

How do I submit a referral to Aetna?

For HMO-based plans and all Medicare Advantage plans, call 1-800-624-0756. One step down. One more to go. You can request an electronic referral in real time for any plan that requires one.

Does Aetna Medicare PPO require referrals?

Aetna Medicare PPO Prime plans

PCP referrals are not required. Patients receiving covered services from a nonparticipating provider are subject to out-of-network deductibles and coinsurance and to potential balance billing.

Aetna Medigap Plan Review | Pricing and Revews

16 related questions found

Does Aetna select require referrals for specialists?

Health insurance plans are offered, underwritten and/or administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). Here's one that lets you visit any doctor in the Aetna network. And you do not need a referral when you visit one. You don't have to choose a primary care physician (PCP) either, but you may want to.

Is Aetna a PPO plan?

With the Aetna Open Choice ® PPO plan, members can visit any provider, in network or out, without a referral. But when they stay in network, we'll handle the claims and offer lower, contracted rates. So they save. And you can, too.

Are referrals covered by insurance?

In order to see a specialist, you'll need a referral from your primary care physician, except in an emergency. Without a referral, your insurance won't cover the cost of your care.

What is the difference between a consultation and a referral according to CPT?

A consultation is a request by a qualified provider for the advice or opinion of a physician regarding the evaluation and/or management of a specific problem. A referral is the transfer of care from one physician to a second physician when the second takes over responsibility for treatment of the patient.

Are there CPT code for referral to specialist?

Referrals may be authorized for consultation and treatment (C&T) using CPT code 99499. In most areas, C&T referrals do not need to specify the procedures to be performed by the specialist. ... If this is necessary, patients must get a referral from their primary care physician to see another specialist.

Can you see specialist without referral?

What is a referral? Certain types of health insurance companies will not allow you to see a specialist unless you have a referral from your primary care physician (PCP). He or she will determine what kind of a specialist you need to see and recommend one (or a few) who they trust.

Do PPO plans need referrals?

PPOs offer more flexibility to see different doctors, as well as the convenience of seeing specialists without a referral. Both plans typically offer prescription drug coverage as part of the plan.

Does Aetna EPO require referrals?

The Aetna Open Access Elect Choice plan gives you comprehensive health benefits in a managed care package — with the freedom of no referrals. You can even tailor your plan so that cost sharing applies only to a member's chosen PCP, or any network PCP.

What is Aetna Open Choice PPO?

Aetna Open Choice® PPO Network is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), or network of doctors and healthcare facilities that agree to provide services at a pre-negotiated, reduced rate.

Is Aetna Select Open Access a PPO?

The Aetna Open Access Plan is an HMO that gives members more freedom. Members can visit any in-network provider (PCP or specialist) for covered services without a referral.

Is Aetna an HMO?

With the Aetna Health Network Only plan, a unique type of HMO plan, you won't have to choose between savings or flexibility. You get both: the cost advantages of a network-only plan and the freedom of no referrals or PCP required.

What are the requirements to bill a consultation?

A consultation code may be billed out for an established patient as long as the criteria for a consultation code are met. There must be a notation in the patient's medical record that consultation was requested and a notation in the patient's medical record that a written report was sent to the requesting physician.

What are the 3 R's for consultation?

The three “R's” of consultation codes: request, render and reply.

Why May physicians refer patients for outpatient tests?

Why may physicians refer patients for outpatient tests? The medical office does not have the required equipment. ... Assistants know the referral process and the medical language involved.

Why do insurance companies require referrals?

A referral, in the most basic sense, is a written order from your primary care doctor to see a specialist for a specific medical service. Referrals are required by most health insurance companies to ensure that patients are seeing the correct providers for the correct problems.

How do I know if I need a referral?

You Usually Need a Referral and Prior Approval To:
  1. See a specialist, such as a cardiologist if you have a heart problem.
  2. Have a procedure, such as removal of a skin cancer.
  3. Have special tests, such as a colonoscopy.
  4. Have surgery, such as a hip replacement.
  5. Visit urgent care for any urgent medical issues.

What is the difference between a referral and insurance referral?

A provider referral is an order written by your provider for you to see another doctor, therapist, or specialist. A provider order is NOT the same as an Insurance Referral. A provider referral is most commonly known as a “referral”, but only refers to the written recommendation of a medical professional.

Do doctors prefer HMO or PPO?

PPOs Usually Win on Choice and Flexibility

If flexibility and choice are important to you, a PPO plan could be the better choice. Unlike most HMO health plans, you won't likely need to select a primary care physician, and you won't usually need a referral from that physician to see a specialist.

Whats better PPO or HMO?

HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.

Is a PPO or HSA better?

An HSA is an additional benefit for people with HDHP to save on medical costs. The PPO is a more flexible health insurance plan for people who have doctors and facilities they use that are out-of-network. ... Spouses can contribute to two different HSA accounts.